FC schools pull together for Mapleton family

ASHLAND — Member schools of the Firelands Conference are all feeling the pain of what happened on Sept. 29 at Mapleton High School. Mapleton senior Bre McKean collapsed on the football field and later died at an area hospital during pre-game homecoming festivities of the Mounties' game against South Central. Her dad, Tim, is the athletic director at Mapleton. St. Paul held a prayer service for McKean Monday morning. "Anytime a young person loses their life it is a tragedy," Norwalk Catholic School President Martin Linder said. "Once I heard about it Saturday morning, I reached out to their superintendent. "We had our prayer service today and that was a real powerful statement. Reach out to Jesus and ask the Lord to wrap his arms around the whole community of Mapleton." Linder said God is there for you in good times and in bad. "That's why we have faith," he said. "Continue to pray and support. Anyone who loses a child ... we have our faith in God." This is the official statement from Mapleton Local Schools: "It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School, on Friday, September 29, 2023 due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities prior to the football game," Mapleton Local School District Superintendent Scott Smith said in a press release. "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends and the Mapleton community." The football game was suspended at halftime with Mapleton leading 37-6 when the teams and students were notified of the events. "Grief counselors will also be available for students and staff on Monday, provided by our community partners of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, the Ashland County Ministerial Association and psi Associates," the release said. "A special thank you goes out to the South Central community, administration, coaches, players and fans for their compassion and support last night. We would also like to thank our Mapleton community and surrounding school districts and communities for their continued support, encouragement and prayers during this difficult time." The homecoming dance that was scheduled for Saturday was canceled. Mapleton athletic events are canceled through Wednesday. McKean was a member of the Mapleton volleyball team, playing as a middle hitter. McKean also was a member of the girls basketball team during her first three years of high school. The Mapleton football team is scheduled to play again Friday at Monroeville. "We actually have our homecoming game this Friday and we play Mapleton," Monroeville Local Schools Superintendent Kristin Kaple-Jones said. "It is going to be a sensitive time and we know that. Our coaches and administration have been working with Mapleton so our kids do get their recognition, but respect the Mapleton family. "We are going to do some things in recognition of the Mapleton family that night." Kaple-Jones said the Mapleton family will need all of the support it can get. "You have to be there for each other ... I think the whole Firelands Conference is pulling together for Mapleton," she said. "We have been through this before, and we know what it takes to get through it. Everybody is there to support the Mapleton family." South Central Athletic Director Darren Hunt said everyone is on the same team when something like this happens. "As competitive as we all are, when something like this happens you put that all aside," Hunt said. "Our conference is really tight knit and not everybody sees how close we are with one another. "There are really no words you can say in times like this to make things better," he added. "You just have to let people know you are there for them and we will be there for them. We really all feel for the McKeans. I was just getting to know Tim being the athletic director. I didn't know her but I saw her play. She will be missed. It is a real loss." South Central Superintendent Ben Chaffee the Firelands an "amazing conference." "Even schools outside the conference bonded together on Saturday," Chaffee said. "We have a lot of negativity in this world, but when an unfortunate situation like this happens true colors show up. "This morning I invited all of our preschool to high school students out to the football field and made a heart, took a picture and delivered it to Mapleton this morning." It was a tough situation for the South Central players and fans being on the other side of the field Friday night. "People have come out and thanked our students and fans for the way they handled the situation," Chaffee said. "I think we all handled it the best way we could have. It was tough for everybody."